Hotel giant Travel Lodge has warned that the government’s policies are making trading “more challenging” as the industry has not been provided with rates relief.
On Tuesday the Treasury announced a package of tax relief for pubs and bars, but Travel Lodge chief executive Jo Boydell warned the move is “neglecting the broader hospitality sector”.
“Higher rates and a lack of bespoke support, together with wider regulatory cost increases, sends the message that the Government does not understand the economic value that our sector delivers,” she added.
Travel Lodge has said their business rates bill will increase from £38 million over the past 12 months to £50 million a year, this year as changes take affect from April and there will be “further significant rises” in the coming years.
A No 10 spokesman said, “We want the best for our high streets. We’re delivering substantial help to businesses as part of our work to turn the economy around and deliver the growth this company needs.”
